Container carrier



May 21, 1963 T. w. WUERTHNER CONTAINER CARRIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 11, 1960 INVENTOR. Ted W. Wuerfhner Fig.

. Attorneys May 21, 1963 T. w. WUERTHNER 3,090,520

CONTAINER CARRIER Filed April 11, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Ted W. Wuerrhner Attorneys May 21, 1963 T. w. WUERTHNER CONTAINER CARRIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 11, 1960 INVENTOR. Ted W. Wuerfhner Attorneys May 21, 1963 T. w. WUERTHNER 3,090,520

CONTAINER CARRIER Filed April 11, 1960 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. Ted W. Wuerfhner Afforneys May 21, 1963 T. w. WUERTHNER 3,090,520

CONTAINER CARRIER Filed April 11, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Ted W. Wuerfhner Attorneys United States Patent 3,090,520 CONTAINER CARRIER Ted W. Wuerthner, San Lorenzo, Calif., assiguor to F breboard Paper Products Corporation, San Francisco, Caliii, a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 11, 1960, Ser. No. 21,459 6 Claims. (Cl. 220-112) This invention relates to a container package which comprises a novel carrier of paperboard or like material in which a plurality of containers, such as bottles or the like, are securely retained for handling and carrying. The carrier of the subject package is of the type which has two walls thereof substantially open so that containers positioned therein may be readily seen and so that the carrier is rapidly and easily opened to facilitate container removal.

The carrier of this invention also includes novel top structure through which container necks are projectable and with which such necks are securely interengaged to preclude container shifting. The carrier also includes novel bottom structure comprising means for maintaining adjacent containers separated so that container rattling and breakage is precluded during handling of a package.

As will become apparent from studying the following specification, objects of this invention include the pro vision of a novel easy opening container carrier package, part of which comprises a novel paperboard carrier in which a plurality of containers are securely msertable; the provision of novel means in a carrier for maintaining adjacent containers separated at their tops and bottoms; and the provision of a novel method for erecting and filling a carrier of the subject type with a plurality of containers.

For an understanding of this invention, attent1on is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a flat, preformed blank from which the subject carrier is erectable.

FIG. 2 is a plan view on a reduced scale of an assembled blank in the collapsed condition.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are isometric views on an enlarged scale of the subject carrier partially erected preparatory to the insertion of containers therein.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating the manner in which containers are inserted laterally into a carrier.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are isometric views illustrating closing of the carrier around a plurality of containers.

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevational view of a container positioned in a carrier and illustrating the novel manner in which a container is retained therein. This figure illustrates in combined fashion both the upstanding and downfolded condition of a carrier top extension flap.

FIG. 9 is a plan view taken in the plane of line 99 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an end view taken in the plane of line 10-10 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a partial vertical section through a container neck and closure cap illustrating interengagement between the carrier top and a container.

Referring first to FIG. 5, reference is directed to the type of container well adapted for packaging 1n a carrier of the subject type. Each container -1 comprises a generally cylindrical body 2 which is of generally circular cross section. Extending upwardly and inwardly from the upper end of the container body is a sloping annular shoulder 3 which terminates in a short generally cylindrical upstanding neck 4 which is topped by a container closure cap 6 crimped over the top of the neck.

As shown in detail in 'FIG. 11, cap 6 desirably is of the well known metal type which has an internal liner 7 of cork or the like. The cap has a substantially planar upper surface 8 and a depending peripheral fluted flange 9 which terminates in a lower peripherally continuous edge 11. Each container 1 at the upper end of neck 4 is provided with an annular head 12 beneath and about which the closure cap- 6 is securely clamped.

While the containers of the type illustrated are primarily glass bottles of the presently well known throwaway type on which no deposit is required by a retailer, if desired can or other similar containers having necks topped by closure caps also may be incorporated into the subject container carrier package.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a flat paperboard or like material carrier blank 13 is illustrated which comprises lhingedly interconnected carrier structure 14, bottom structure 15, and Wall structure 16. Beginning at the bottom of FIG. 1, the blank includes an end wall panel 17 hingedly connected along an end marginal fold line 18 to an intermediate panel 19 which forms part of the carrier top structure. An opposite end Wall panel 21 is connected along fold line 22 to an opposite end margin of top intermediate panel 19.

The bottom structure of the carrier includes a bottom panel 23 hingedly connected along fold line 24 to last mentioned end wall panel 21. The carrier blank termimates in a securing panel 26 intended to be adhesively or otherwise secured to first mentioned end wall panel 17 when the blank is erected. Bottom panel 23 has hingedly connected along fold lines 27 and 28 which define opposite side mar-gins of such bottom panel a pair of bottom securing flaps 29 and 3-1. End wall 21 has a pair of short flaps 32 and 33 hingedly connected thereto along opposite side margins thereof defined by fold lines 34 and 36. A similar pair of short flaps 37 and 38 are hingedly connected along opposite marginal fold lines 39 and 41 to the other end wall panel 17.

As noted previously, each of end wall panels 17 and 21 is hingedly connected to the top structure of the carrier blank along fold lines 18 and 22 which define opposite end margins of the top intermediate panel 19. Extending laterally from opposite side margins of intermediate panel 19 defined by fold lines 42 and 43 respectively are a pair of top extension panels 44 and 46. Top securing panels 47 and 48 are hingedly connected to the respective extension panels along fold lines 49 and 51 respectively.

A pair of substantially triangular tabs T are hingedly connected to each of the end wall panels along oblique tfold lines 52 which extend between adjacent ends of fold lines 42 and 43 of the top structure and the respective fold lines 34, 36, 39 and 41 of the respective end wall panels. While tabs T are positioned closely adjacent the extension flaps 44 and 46 of the top structure, such tabs are not connected directly thereto but are separated therefrom by cuts C.

It should be noted that the bottom securing panels and top extension panels are of substantially equal length relative to the bottom panel 23 and top intermediate panel 19 to which they are secured. However, each of the short flaps secured to side wall panels 17 and 21 is of less length than such side wall panels so that a rectangular cut out portion 5-3 is provided between the respective end wall panels and the top structure. Such cut out portions permit folding of the top extension panels into a downwardly and outwardly sloping position without interference when the carrier is erected and containers positioned therein as described hereinafter.

Because the subject carrier is designed primarily to package two rows of containers, the carrier t-op structure is provided with two series or rows of apertures 55 each of which is adjacent a fold line which defines a side margin of the top intermediate panel 19. Each aperture 55 receives and secures the upper part of container 1, and a portion of container closure cap 6 overlies and is adjacent to a portion of the edge of aperture 5 in the carrier top structure. In the advantageous embodiment of the invent-ion illustrated in the drawings and described herein, each aperture comprises a first section 56 which extends into the intermediate panel 19 from a side margin thereof and a second section 57 which extends in the opposite direction from the intermediate panel side margin into an extension flap. While the two sections of each aperture may take various contours and sizes, the respective contours and sizes thereof are determined primarily by the configuration of .the container neck and the type and size of closure cap employed therewith.

Because generally the container necks are of circular cross section, each first aperture section 56 desirably is of arcuate substantially semi-circular or more than semicircular contour so as to be snugly engageable with a container neck. Each second aperture section 57 also is of generally arcuate contour but is less than semi-circular in extent. As will be described, the second aperture sections are of such size and contour so as to permit lateral sliding passage therethrough of a container closure cap.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the radius R of each first aperture section '56 is less than the radius R of each second aperture section 57. While the respective centers of the aperture sections 56 and 57 are located adjacent the side margin of the top intermediate panel, they lie inwardly therefrom and are not coincident. Desirably, the diameter of each first aperture section 56 is substantially equal to the diameter of the neck 4- of a container. The maximum dimension of each second aperture section is substantially equal to the maximum external dimension of a container closure cap 6.

While in the embodiment shown containers having circular necks and generally circular caps are illustrated, it should be understood that the subject carrier may be modified by one skilled in the art'rto accommodate conrainers having neck and cap configurations other than those shown.

Again referring to FIG. -l, top intermediate panel 19 also is provided with a pair of hinged tabs 61 and 62 which may be depressed to provide access holes through which a persons fingers may be inserted for carrying a package when the carrier blank is erected and containers position ed therein.

Bottom panel 23 is provided with a plurality of pivotable tabs partially struck therefrom which are arranged in three distinct rows, the tabs of each row being similarly identified as 64, 66 and 67. Tabs 64- and 67 are pivotable about hinge lines which extend generally normal to the hinge lines about which tabs 66 are pivotable. Each tab is to be interposed between the bottoms of adjacent containers to separate the same so that container rattling and breakage during handling of a package is precluded.

When securing flap 26 of a carrier blank is adhesively or otherwise secured to the bottom margin of side Wall panel 17 as shown in FIG. 3, a peripherally continuous carrier is provided which may be collapsed to the condition shown in FIG. 2 in which the carrier top structure and one end wall overlie the carrier bottom structure and the other end wall. It is in this condition that carriers desirably are shipped.

By applying pressure to opposite edges of a collapsed carrier in the direction of the arrows of FIG. 2, the carrier may be easily transformed to the partially erected condition shown in FIG. 3 preparatory .to filling. To prepare such a partially erected carrier for the reception of containers, it is merely necessary to pivot or swing upwardly the top extension panels 44 and 46 to a substantially vertical position generally normal to intermediate panel 19 and to pivot each of the bottom container separating tabs 64, 66 and '67 upwardly from the plane of bottom panel 23 to the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 4. When the carrier is in such position,

r 4 it is ready to receive a plurality of containers as shown in FIG. 5.

Desinably two rows of containers are simultaneously laterally slidably inserted into a carrier by any suitable means. Because the bottom separating tabs have been previously moved to the vertical position, it should be understood that one of each such tabs will be positioned between adjacent containers to prevent contact thereof at their bottoms.

When the carrier is partially erected to the position ready to receive the containers, the bottom panel 26 and top intermediate panel 19 he in substantially parallel spaced horizontal planes the distance between which is substantially equal to the distance H between the bottom of a container and the lower edge 11 of a container cap 6 (see PEG. 5). As a result of this dimensional relationship, when a container is moved into a carrier, the neck 4 thereof is snugly received in a first aperture section 56 while the cap 6 is positioned externally of the carrier and engaged with the top intermediate panel thereof.

When top extension panels 44 and 46 have been pivoted to lie in substantially vertical planes normal to the intermediate top panel 19, the second aperture sections 57 are vertically arranged so that the enlarged container caps which top the containers are laterally receivable through such enlarged second aperture sections. After two rows of containers have been fully inserted into the carrier as shown in FIG. 6, the respective short fiaps 32, 33, 37 and 38 are pivoted about their respective fold lines from the position in which they extended substantially coplanar with the carrier end walls 17 and 21 to the position where they extend generally normal to the end walls. Desirably each of the short flaps-is provided with adhesive areas A. Following inturning of the short end flaps, the respective bottom securing flaps 29 and 31 are pivoted upwardly about their respective fold lines and adhesively or otherwise secured to the end flaps. Simultaneously or subsequently, each of tabs T is pivoted downwardly and inwardly about its oblique fold line 52 to lie in the phantom line position shown in FIG. 6. Such tabs T provide reinforcing shoulders for the top extension flaps 44 and 46 which are folded to overlie such tabs. The top securing panels 49 and 51 are subsequently adhesively or otherwise secured to the top portions of the short end flaps aforementioned.

It should be understood that the subject carrier may be erected and filled manually but desirably such erecting and filling is efiected on high speed automatic machinery.

A completely erected and filled carrier package is illustrated in FIG. 7. In this connection, it should be noted that the opposite end walls of the carrier are of full width and height so that advertising material may be readily applied thereon. This feature is of importance in that quite frequently in stores and super markets packages of the subject type are located in refrigerators or shelves with only one end panel thereof visible. As a result of the full end panel construction hereof, the product desired by the consumer may be readily identified by its end flap legends.

The opposite side walls of the carton, however, are substantially open and unrestricted so that the bottles and labels thereon are readily visible to the consumer. This open side wall construction facilitates easy carrier opening and container removal in that it is merely necessary to unsecure the top securing panels 49 or 51 from engagement with the end panels and to pivot the top extension panels 44 and 46 upwardly until the same clear the container closure caps. When in this condition, containers may be readily removed from the carrier for consumption. If desired, however, the bottom securing panels 29 or 31 also may be disengaged if so desired but this is not necessary to permit container removal. The facility with which the subject carrier may be opened is an important feature of this invention because many container carriers presently obtainable are openable only with extreme difliculty and quite frequently tools are required to efiect such opening.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 11, the novel relationship between the container tops and the carrier apertures will be described. These figures are combined showings which illustrate the top extension flap of the carrier in both the open and closed positions. As shown in FIG. 8, the second or enlarged aperture section 57 at its location of maximum transverse dimension is substantially equal to the maximum diametrical dimension of the container closure cap. As a result, such closure cap may be inserted or passed laterally through such enlarged aperture section as described previously. However, as also shown in FIG. 8 such aperture section 5-7 at a point spaced -from the margin of top intermediate panel 19 is of a somewhat smaller dimension than the upper diameter of the closure cap. This results in a container cap being inserted through such aperture section with a secure snapping action which may temporarily deform part of the carrier extension panel 44 or 46. However, because the carrier desirably is formed from paperboard or like flexible material no damage thereto is done thereby. Following insertion of a carrier cap through an enlarged aperture section 57, the bottle neck 4 is snugly and securely engaged in the smaller aperture section 56 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11.

When a top extension panel is pivoted downwardly to the closed position, sufficient clearance exists in each enlarged aperture section 57 so that such panel may clear the respective container closure caps and be moved to the solid line position shown to the right of FIGS. 8 and 9 in which such panel is snugly engaged with the downwardly and outwardly sloping shoulder 3 of each container positioned in the carrier. This engagement of an extension panel with the container shoulder 3 is of a very secure nature which may result in some outward bowing of the extension panel as seen in FIG. 10. Such a condition is desirable in that it urges the container fully into the carrier and insures snug engagement of the container neck in aperture section 56.

As FIGS. 8, 1-0 and 11 illustrate, the lower peripheral edge 11 of each container cap is directly engaged with the top surface of top intermediate panel 19. As a result of such direct engagement, when a carrier is picked up by a consumer inserting his fingers through the carrying holes provided by top tabs 61 and 62, the direct engagement of the container caps with the carrier top results in a substantial portion of the weight of the respective bottles being borne directly by the carrier top. That is, all of the container weight is not supported solely by the carrier bottom as is true of many prior art carrier constructions. As a result of the novel arrangement described, dropping of bottles during handling should the carrier bottom be weakened by moisture or the like is precluded because of the secure engagement of the container caps with the carrier top intermediate panel 19.

A further advantage of the direct engagement of the container caps 6 with the carrier top is illustrated by reference to FIG. 7. From this figure it should be noted that because no'portion of the inner periphery of the lower edges of the respective container caps 6 projects above the carrier top, a persons fingers may not be inserted therebeneath or scratched thereby when fingers are engaged with the carrying holes provided by top tabs 61 and 62.

From the foregoing it should be understood that the subject invention involves the provision of a novel container carrier which is usable to provide a particular package constmction well adapted for enclosing a quantity of containers. The invention also involves the novel method of setting up and filling such a carrier with containers in the expeditious manner heretofore described.

While the subject carrier is intended primarily for the packaging of beverages such as beer or soft drinks, obviously containers filled with other products could be equally well packagedtherein'. Similarly, while six containers are illustrated in a package, more or less than six containers could be packaged if desired upon making obvious modifications in the carrier.

While reference has been directed herein primarily to one desirable embodiment of the subject carrier and the resulting package, modifications thereto which become obvious to a person skilled in the art are contemplated as falling within the purview of the invention and the same should be interpreted in light of the appended claims.

I claim: 7

1. In a side loading container carrier the combination comprising:

a generally rectangular bottom panel having two pairs of opposing edges;

a pair of end wall panels hingedly connected to one pair of opposing edges of said bottom panel;

carrier top structure hingedly secured to said end wall panels to form a tubular structure with said bottom panel and end wall panels; said carrier top structure comprising a generally rectangular intermediate panel having two pairs of op posing edges, said intermediate panel hingedly secured at one pair of opposing edges to said end wall panels, the width of said intermediate panel being less than the width of said end wall panels, and a top extension panel hin-gedly connected to each of the other opposing edges of said intermediate panel along a hinge line and free from connection with said end panels, said extension panels being thereby free to rot-ate about their hinge line to facilitate side loading of the carrier;

said carrier top structure having a plurality of spaced apart apertures disposed along the ju-nctures of said extension panels and said intermediate panel and traversed by the adjacent hinge line, said apertures having first and second sections, said first sections disposed wholly within said intermediate panel, said second sections disposed within said top extension panels, said second sections being larger than said first sections and contiguous with a first section; and

means for securing said extension panels in a down- Wardly extending operative position.

2. In a side loading container carrier the combination comprising:

a generally rectangular bottom panel having two pairs of opposing edges;

a pair of end wall panels hingedly connected to one pair of opposing edges of said bottom panel;

carrier top structure hingedly secured to said end wall panels to form a tubular structure with said bottom panel and end wall panels;

said carrier top structure comprising a generally rectangular intermediate panel having two pairs of opposing edges, said intermediate panel hingedly secured at one pair of opposing edges to said end wall panels, the width of said intermediate panel being less than the width of said end Wall panels, and a top extension panel hingedly connected to each of the other opposing edges of said intermediate panel along a hinge line and free from connection with said end panels, said extension panels being thereby free to rotate about their hinge line to facilitate side loading of the carrier;

said carrier top structure having a plurality of spaced apart apertures disposed along the junctures of said extension panels and said intermediate panel and traversed by the adjacent hinge line, said apertures having first and second sections, said first sections being semi-circular in shape and disposed wholly within said intermediate panel, said second sections being semi-circular in shape and disposed within said top extension panels, said second sections being of greater diameter than said first sections and contiguous with a first section;

7 means for securing said extension panels in a downwardly extending operative position; and a plurality of tabs hingedly connected to said bottom panel and rotatable to a position generally perpensecond sections disposed within said top extension panels, said second sections being larger than said first sections and contiguous with a first section;

5. In a side loa'din'g container carrier package the combination comprising:

a generally rectangular bottom panel having two pairs of opposing edges;

dicular to the plane of said bottom panel. a pair of upstanding end wall panels each having a 3. The side loading container carrier of claim 2 further pair of opposing edges, said end wall panels hingedly comprising: connected along one of their opposing edges to one a pair of bottom securing panels hingedly connected pair of opposing edges of said bottom panel;

along the other pair of opposing edges of said botcarrier top structure hingedly connected along the other torn panel and extending substantially along the en- 10 opposing edge of said end wall panels thereby being tire length thereof; and disposed at a distance from and in facing relation means for securing said bottom securing panels in an with said bottom panel, said bottom panel, end wall upwardly extending operative position. panel and top structure forming a tubular structure; 4. In a side loading container carrier the combination said carrier top structure comprising a generally reccomprising: tangular intermediate panel having two pairs of opa generally rectangular bottom panel having two pairs posing edges, said intermediate panel hingedly seof opposing edges; cured at one pair of opposing edges to said end wall a pair of upstanding end wall panels each having :1 panels, the width of said intermediate panel being pair of opposing edges, said end wall panels hingedly less than the width of said end wall panels, and a connected along one of their opposing edges to one top extension panel hingedly connected to each of pair of opposing edges of said bottom panel; the other opposing edges of said intermediate panel carrier top structure hingedly connected along the other along a hinge line and free from connection with opposing edge of said end wall panels thereby being said end panels, said extension panels being thereby disposed at a distance from and in facing relation tree to rotate about their hinge line; with said bottom panel, said bottom panel, end wall Said Carrier top structure having a plurality of spaced panels and top structure forming a tubular structure; apart apertures disposed along the junctures of said said carrier top structure comprising a generally recextension panels and said intermediate panel and tangular intermediate panel having two pairs of optraversed by the adjacent hinge line, said apertures posing edges, said intermediate panel hingedly sehaving first and second sections, said first sections cured at one pair of opposing edges to said end wall disposed wholly Within said intermediate panel panels, the width of said intermediate panel being While said second sections are disposed within said less than the width of said end wall panels, and a extension panels; top extension panel hingedly connected to eachot a plurality of crimped-cap containers having crirnped the other opposing edges of said intermediate panel caps and neck portions, said containers disposed in along a hinge line and free from connection with said the container carrier in two rows, said neck portions end panels, said extension panels being thereby free of said containers partially surrounded by the definto rotate about their hinge line to facilitate side ing boundaries of said first sections of said apertures loading of the carrier; so that said crimped caps extend above said carrier said carrier top structure having a plurality of spaced top structure, each of said second sections of said apart apertures disposed along the junctures of said apertures being contiguous with a first section and extension panels and said intermediate panel and large enough to enable said extension panels to be traversed by the adjacent hinge line, said apentures dire ed downwardly over said crirnped caps such having first and second sections, said first sections that ill the downwardly Operativfi Position Said disposed wholly within said intermediate panel, said 4: 0nd Sections lie belOW aid cri p aps; and

means for securing said extension panels in a downwardly operative position. 6. The side loading container carrier package of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of tabs hingedly secured to said bottom panel and upwardly rotatable to a position generally perpendicular to the plane of said bottom panel, said tabs disposed between adjacent containers in the carrier when they are rotated to their upwardly operative position.

a plurality of tabs hingedly connected to said bottom panel and rotatable to a position generally perpendicular to the plane of said bottom panel, said plurality of tabs comprising a first and second set of tabs, said first set of tabs having their hinge connections generally parallel to the opposing edges of said bottom panel to which said end wall panels are connected, said first set of tabs disposed on said bottom References Cited In the file of thls Damnt panel at locations between adjacent apertures on the UNITED STATES PATENTS same lunge line in said carrier top structure, said 7 second set of tabs having their hinge connections 774,044 CTaW 9 generally perpendicular 'to the opposing edges of 1,963,877 Cubbflley 1934 said bottom panel to which said end walls are con- 2,296,228 PQWCH p 1 9 nected, said second set of tabs disposed on said bot- 2,654,474 Rlnglel' 9 tom panel at locations between adjacent apertures 2,911,096 Andre 9 on different hinge lines; 2,950,041 Stone Aug. 23, 1960 and means for securing said extension panels in a downwardlyextending operative position. 

1. IN A SIDE LOADING CONTAINER CARRIER THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR BOTTOM PANEL HAVING TWO PAIRS OF OPPOSING EDGES; A PAIR OF END WALL PANELS HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO ONE PAIR OF OPPOSING EDGES OF SAID BOTTOM PANEL; CARRIER TOP STRUCTURE HINGEDLY SECURED TO SAID END WALL PANELS TO FORM A TUBULAR STRUCTURE WITH SAID BOTTOM PANEL AND END WALL PANELS; SAID CARRIER TOP STRUCTURE COMPRISING A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR INTERMEDIATE PANEL HAVING TWO PAIRS OF OPPOSING EDGES, SAID INTERMEDIATE PANEL HINGEDLY SECURED AT ONE PAIR OF OPPOSING EDGES TO SAID END WALL PANELS, THE WIDTH OF SAID INTERMEDIATE PANEL BEING LESS THAN THE WIDTH OF SAID END WALL PANELS, AND A TOP EXTENSION PANEL HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO EACH OF THE OTHER OPPOSING EDGES OF SAID INTERMEDIATE PANEL 